Which Xiaomi smartphone is best to buy in 2022: a full guide

The mobile electronics market in 2022 was an unprecedented dynamic, forcing many users to consider changing their devices. Xiaomi, a strong industry leader, introduced a line of devices that cover everything from easy communication to professional mobile photography. Choosing a specific model became a challenge due to the huge number of variations and technical nuances that must be considered when buying.

In the current economic realities, the issue of cost of ownership of the device comes to the fore, but the savings on performance can lead to rapid moral obsolescence of the gadget. It is important to understand that the processor and screen quality determine the user experience by 80%, while marketing tricks often shift the focus of attention to secondary details. In this article, we will analyze the current brand offers so you can make an informed decision.

Market analysis shows that in 2022, the gap between the budget and flagship segments began to blur, giving middle-class users access to technologies previously privileged by luxury devices. 120W charging models became available in the price range of up to 30,000 rubles, which until recently seemed fantastic. Let's take a look at what specifications are worth paying close attention to right now.

Flagship performance: Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro series

The company’s top engineering focus in the period under review was the Xiaomi 12 series, which replaced the popular eleventh line, with the major difference being the shift to more compact form factors for the base models, which allowed Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset to be kept in a comfortable body, a solution that was in response to the demands of an audience tired of bulky shovels that are difficult to use with one hand.

Xiaomi 12 Pro, in turn, received an improved camera system with three modules of 50 MP each, including a telephoto lens with optical zoom. WQHD+ with adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz provides incredible smooth interface and content consumption. However, it is worth considering that high performance processor requires efficient cooling, which engineers have worked especially hard on.

⚠️ Note: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is known for its tendency to heat under load.When using navigation or games in the summer, the device can reduce screen brightness or frame rate to protect components.

For those looking for the ultimate in capabilities, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is available, equipped with an inch camera sensor developed in conjunction with Leica, a device aimed at mobile photography enthusiasts willing to put up with size for unique image quality, and the choice in favor of this series is justified if the budget is not a limiting factor.

The Golden Mean: Redmi Note 11 Series

The mid-budget smartphone segment was oversaturated in 2022, and the Redmi Note 11 series became a real bestseller in many regions. AMOLED-And the screens, which were previously the lot of more expensive models, were rich colors, deep blacks and high brightness, which is essential for visual perception.

The devices are based on time-tested processors like the Snapdragon 680 or Dimensity 920, which ensure the stable operation of everyday applications and light games. The 5,000mAh battery has become the de facto standard for this lineup, allowing you to safely experience a day and a half of use without recharging.

• 📱 Support for fast charging with 33 watts in basic models.
• 💧 Protection against dust and splashes according to the standard IP53 (submersion!).
• 🔊 Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for surround sound.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ version, which has a 120 watt charge, is particularly noteworthy, and it allows you to fully charge your device in less than 20 minutes, which drastically changes your habits of using the gadget. You just put your phone on charge while you wash or drink coffee, and it's ready to go again.

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When buying the Redmi Note 11 Pro+, make sure the original power supply comes with it, as third-party chargers may not support the HyperCharge protocol at full capacity.

Budget King: Redmi 10 and 11 lineup

If your budget is tight, but you want a modern device from a well-known brand, the Redmi 10/11 lineup offers perhaps the best value for money. These smartphones come with 90Hz refresh rate screens, making scrolling through social media feeds pleasant and smooth. Even in this segment, the manufacturer does not forget about the design, using glossy and matte textures on the back cover.

Performance is provided by entry-level chipsets such as the Helio G88 or Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. They are great at messengers, YouTube, navigation and simple tasks. However, it is worthwhile to understand that resource-intensive games will have to run at minimal graphics settings to avoid delays and jerks of the image.

The camera module in public sector workers is usually represented by a main sensor at 50 MP and a set of auxiliary sensors (macro, depth), which are more decorative in nature.

⚠️ Note: Budget models often use a screen matrix type IPS instead AMOLED, And also slower memory types, so don't expect them to be fast on flagship devices.

A hallmark of this category is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and support for microSD cards, which is becoming increasingly rare in the smartphone world, making them a great choice as the first smartphone for a child or a work device for couriers and taxi drivers.

Game Solutions: The POCO Series

The POCO brand, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, has traditionally focused on maximum performance for minimal money. In 2022, the POCO F4 and POCO X4 GT series became hits among mobile gamers. These devices are equipped with top-end or pre-top processors, powerful cooling systems and screens with high frequency sensor survey.

Software optimization is a key feature of gaming smartphones. Game Turbo mode allows you to redistribute system resources in favor of running a game, block notifications and improve network response. For serious players, this is not just marketing, but a necessary tool for achieving online battles.

The design of the devices is often aggressive with bright accents, which emphasizes their purpose. However, the case can be made of plastic, which on the one hand reduces weight, and on the other hand, not everyone likes tactile, and the resistance to such models is often higher than that of glass flagships.

Comparative Characteristics Table

To make the selection process easier, we have prepared a summary table with key parameters of popular models in 2022, which provides averaged data to help you quickly navigate the variety of options.

And as you look at the table, even in the mid-range, manufacturers are starting to adopt optical stabilization (OIS), which is critical for video quality and nighttime shooting, while flagships sometimes sacrifice battery capacity for compactness, while public-sector manufacturers always maximize it.

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The POCO F4 is best suited for gaming thanks to the time-tested Snapdragon 870, which is less hot than the new chips.

What to look for when buying in 2022

Buying a smartphone is an investment that should serve you for at least 2-3 years. So it’s important to pay attention not only to hardware, but also to software support. Xiaomi promises to provide Android updates and security patches for its devices for a certain period, and this period varies for different series.

Also worth considering is the type of memory. In 2022, the standard is becoming UFS 3.1 memory, which provides high speeds for writing and reading data. Devices with older eMMC or UFS 2.2 memory can run slower, especially when filling storage. Always check the specifications of a particular modification, as they may vary depending on the region.

• 🌐 Support for communication bands: Make sure the model supports Band 20 (800 MHz) for quality 4G rural.
• 💾 RAM: in 2022, a comfortable minimum of 6 GB, optimally - 8 GB and higher.
• 📦 Feature: A charger and protective case in the box (Xiaomi usually has them, unlike competitors).

Don’t forget to check the global version of the device. Global Version has Google pre-installed, support for all languages and Bands required to work in Europe and the CIS. Chinese versions (China Version) may have restrictions in working with banking applications and notifications.

⚠️ Note: When buying the “gray” Chinese versions with a reflash to the global, you may lose the ability to use some features, for example, Widevine. L1 for HD-content streaming, or get a blocked bootloader.

Outcome recommendations and conclusions

Choosing a Xiaomi smartphone in 2022 depends solely on your priorities and financial situation. If you want the best camera and materials, look at the Xiaomi 12 series. If balance and autonomy are important, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ will be the perfect companion. For gamers, the POCO F4 remains the uncontested leader, and for budget users, the basic Redmi 10/11.

Technology is advancing rapidly, but in 2022 Xiaomi managed to create a line where each device feels modern and relevant, the main thing is not to chase the highest numbers in performance, but to understand how you will use your gadget in everyday life.

Remember that choosing the right device is the key to a comfortable digital experience for many years to come: weigh the pros and cons, study the reviews of real owners and make a purchase with the knowledge of what you are paying attention to.

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